The Blues’ 2-0 defeat at Leeds United on Saturday means they are still five points clear of the bottom three going into a gruelling run of four games in 11 days.

Come the New Year, Blues fans should have a clearer idea of whether they are facing a relegation fight or a move into mid-table safety.

And midfielder Andy Drury is convinced it will be the latter after predicting a “promising future” under Mick McCarthy.

Drury believes the level of disappointment felt within the away dressing room at Elland Road shows how far the side have come in recent weeks.

He insisted: “For large parts, we were the better team. You can see we outplayed Leeds for large parts of the game and we should have got something out of it.

“There is no reason to panic. We know we are still down there and not where we want to be.

“But we have to reflect on the positives – but also the negatives so we can try and correct them.”

After three straight starts, Drury knows he has to be at his best with Nigel Reo-Coker back on the bench and Luke Hyam expected to be in contention for Saturday’s must-win match against Bristol City, who are fourth-bottom, a place below the Blues.

“We have four good players in central midfield,” he added. “But I have the shirt so I just have to try and work hard to keep hold of it.”

Ged you miserable so and so. The positive is surely that having gone from bottom and looking certs for relegation, we are now in with a fighting chance of staying up and building for next season. That doesn't mean we should all be ecstatic because plainly we have a long way to go, but it is nevertheless a positive. For Ipswich fans, that is.

Tell you what dreary drury there certainly is a lot of negatives to dwell on this season you being one of them. Add to that another 11 thats the manager and the other 10 players and you have a lot to work with. Im trying to think of a positive so far this season and Im struggling to find any!!